King County: Government 101
Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmember District 2, recently made a video about the difference between city government and county government. It is a simple, straight-forward, and affable piece that helps break down how King County serves and represents residents in the wide variety of urban, suburban, rural, and unincorporated areas. It’s not required viewing for King County employees, but it is a good resource to share with friends, family, and strangers who might wonder how county government is different from city government. Click here to watch the video.
Executive Constantine delivers 2022 State of the County address
Focusing on four priority pillars of work, King County Executive Dow Constantine recently delivered the 2022 State of the County to the King County Council. The address reflected on both the achievements of the last year and the opportunities ahead. Executive Constantine laid out past successes and future actions in the critical areas of homelessness, public safety and the criminal legal system, anti-racism and pro-equity policies and investments, and environmental conservation and climate change. He also spoke to the ongoing work related to public health, transit, and the creative economy as King… Read More
With COVID-19 rates high, what parents need to know about masking and testing
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider COVID-19 risk for people in our community has increased over the past several weeks. In late April, our case rates put King County into the Medium COVID-19 Community Level. Unfortunately, we continue to receive many reports of COVID-19 cases and clusters throughout the community, including from schools and childcare centers. With this increased level of COVID-19, parents may be wondering what they should consider for masking and testing right now. Click here to find out more.
King County Law Library webinar: Executive Order 9066 and Japanese Incarceration
As part of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage month, the King County Law Library recently hosted a webinar titled “Executive Order 9066 and Japanese Incarceration.” The first part of this program is a screening of Alternative Facts – a film that uncovers the history of lies used to justify the incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. It was followed by a powerful panel discussion with the filmmaker Jon Osaki, attorney, author, and former Seattle University School of Law professor Lorraine Bannai, and King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Patrick Oishi. The discussion was moderated by attorney Serin… Read More
Metro takes Womens Transportation Seminar (WTS) participants on tours of innovative transit projects
Cross-posted from Metro Matters King County Metro is always working to improve mobility around the region and is committed to sharing approaches with other agencies. This past week, Seattle hosted attendees of the WTS International Conference and Metro rolled out the welcome mat. WTS promotes the advancement of women in the transportation industry, and its conferences attract some of the most influential and innovative thinkers in transit. Dozens of attendees took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the history and operations of several of Metro’s exciting transportation projects and innovations. WTS… Read More
Operator Teshim Awalom receives award for assisting disabled rider
Cross-posted from Metro Matters Last New Year’s Eve, while driving Metro Route 5 in north Seattle, Operator Teshim Awalom saw a pedestrian trying to recover their walker, which had fallen in the snow. Teshim worked with the person to locate the walker, helped them onto his bus, and asked if they needed any medical assistance. On May 19, King County Metro General Manager Terry White recognized Awalom’s actions that snowy day, presenting him with the George Turner Award, given by the Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Chapter member DeeAnne Cooper… Read More
Big Backyard 5K is Sunday, June 5
Founded in 2010, the Big Backyard 5K (also known as the BBY5K), is a community run/walk showcasing and benefitting King County Parks. Proceeds from the BBY5K benefit King County Parks, supporting maintenance and operations of facilities and recreational resources. Thoughout 12 years, more than 12,000 runners and walkers have gathered to raise more than $75,000 for King County Parks. This year’s event is on Sunday, June 5, and celebrates our ability to gather again with a simple approach to fun and fitness. Click here to find out more and register.
Jail Health Services extends vaccine benefit program
Employees at Jail Health Services, Public Health — Seattle & King County, are poised to continue a successful incentive program that encourages people in custody to get vaccinated. The relaunched vaccine benefit program is set to go live Thursday, May 19. It is happening thanks to a new $30,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The money will provide a $50 commissary credit to patients at the jail whenever they are eligible and elect to receive a vaccination, whether it is for their primary vaccination series or a booster dose. “The COVID-19… Read More
Native American Career Day with Sheriff’s Office
On May 11, the King County Sheriff’s Office was privileged to stand by their partners at the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe which hosted Native American Career Day. This event was attended by 200 area students and offered them an opportunity to talk to people from various industries and colleges about job opportunities and to support their career path. Sheriff’s Office members talked to the students and answered questions about public safety and a possible career with the department. For more information about this event and other upcoming community events, visit the KCSO Facebook page.
Watch the 2022 State of the County address Tuesday, May 24 at 1 p.m.
King County Executive Dow Constantine will deliver his 2022 State of the County address at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, and employees are invited to watch the address live from their workstations. You can watch Executive Constantine’s address streaming live on this webpage and on KCTV Channels 22 and 322 (HD). The Executive’s remarks will begin a little after 1 p.m. Every year, during the State of the County address, Executive Constantine discusses the condition of our County and outlines his legislative agenda and priorities to the people of King County. Video and the text of… Read More
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